Hunter Mahan withdraws from Bay Hill with back issues

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Hunter Mahan has withdrawn from the Arnold Palmer Invitational because of soreness in his lower back.

Mahan says his back began to hurt on the practice range Sunday at Bay Hill. He hit his tee shot on the par-3 second hole Sunday and realized his back was only getting worse and he couldn't make a proper swing. He spent about 30 minutes in the fitness trailer getting treatment after he walked off the course.

Mahan says he first felt a twinge in his back for a couple of holes at Doral. He thought nothing of it until the twinge returned during his week off. He says he is not overly concerned and would be surprised if he can't play the Shell Houston Open in two weeks.